The fate of regulated sports betting in Missouri will be decided by voters later this year.
The Missouri Secretary of State approved a retail and online sports betting referendum on Tuesday. Jay Ashcroft, Missouri’s current Secretary of State, said the campaign collected valid signatures from at least six of the eight congressional districts in the Show-Me State.
Ashcroft’s office had an Aug. 13 deadline to submit its certificate of sufficiency. The approval of the referendum allows residents to vote on the issue on Nov. 5.
Helping hand in Missouri sports teams
Missouri voters have the opportunity to bring regulated sports betting to the state after strong efforts by some of America’s most popular sports properties. In November 2023, six of Missouri’s professional sports teams formed Winning for Missouri Education. The coalition includes the St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Blues, St. Louis City SC, Kansas City Current, Kansas City Royals and reigning Super Bowl champs Kansas City Chiefs.
The six teams established Winning for Missouri Education to garner support for regulated sports betting in the Show-Me State ahead of the November election. The coalition submitted more than 340,000 signatures in May to the Secretary of State’s office.
Winning for Missouri Education had secured more than 100,000 signatures by February. The coalition is also backed by DraftKings and FanDuel helping it raise over $6 million.
Potential framework for Missouri wagering
In three months, voters have the chance to vote in favor of amending the state’s constitution to allow regulated sports wagering by the Missouri Gaming Commission.
Earlier this year, Rep. Crystal Quade and others introduced House Bill 2835 as a piece of legislation that authorizes retail and online sports betting and interactive digital games.
HB 2835 proposes wagering for Missouri residents and visitors 21 years or older with licensed operators required to pay a 10% tax on adjusted gross receipts. Potential operators must pay an initial $150,000 to submit an application for a wagering license in the state. Under HB 2835, renewal fees for sportsbooks won’t exceed $350,000.
Proceeds from licensing fees and adjusted gross receipts are allocated toward education. HB 2835 was read in February before being referred to the House Special Committee on Innovation and Technology in April where a public hearing was completed.
In addition to sports betting, Missouri residents will also vote on amendments that impact minimum wage, earned paid sick time and reproductive health care.
